Chapter 21
860words
Facing such eyes, Hunter couldn’t bring himself to lie.
He spoke truthfully, “While this is a business arrangement between our families, I also wanted to marry someone I truly admire and respect.”
Tara raised an eyebrow. “So, you investigated me?”
Hunter’s sapphire eyes sparkled like gemstones. “Yes, and I’m very satisfied in every aspect.”
Tara felt a surge of heat rise to her cheeks. The way he emphasized every aspect felt layered with meaning, instantly reminding her of that night in the nightclub. Her face turned the color of a ripe tomato.
Hunter’s grin deepened, the curve of his lips impossible to suppress. “I personally selected some jewelry for you. It’ll arrive tomorrow. The wedding gown was designed by the most renowned designer in Birkham, tailored just for you. It’ll be delivered tomorrow as well for you to try on.”
Tara protested, “There’s no need to go overboard.”
After all, it was just a marriage of convenience. A simple ceremony would suffice. There was no need to waste so much money.
Hunter spoke firmly, “You don’t need to worry about the cost. Just focus on being a bride. Afterward, we’ll go on a honeymoon around the world.”
Tara felt a pang of guilt. She hadn’t contributed a single thought to the wedding preparations. In fact, she hadn’t even known what her fiancé looked like until the day before.
Still, she had to admit, his appearance was more than satisfactory. If she was going to marry for an alliance, at least she wouldn’t be stuck with someone old and unattractive.
The next morning, the wedding dress and jewelry arrived.
Each piece was a masterpiece crafted by France’s top designers, exclusively for Tara. The designs blended French elegance with delicate Eastern elements, adorned with natural diamonds.
Luxurious and exquisite.
Tara ran her hand over the glittering diamonds on the wedding dress. “Isn’t this a little too extravagant?”
Joe stood with an air of nonchalance. “It’s just over a hundred million. Barely enough to match my daughter.”
He added firmly, “Even though this is a marriage of convenience, if the groom wasn’t respectful or good enough for you, I wouldn’t have agreed.”
Tara’s chest tightened, her voice softening. “Dad…”
Joe’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Alright, make sure everything is in order. Tomorrow morning, we head to the chapel.”
His voice trembled as he turned away, unwilling to let her see his pain. His beloved daughter was getting married, and the thought alone broke his heart.
*
The wedding was held in the grandest, oldest, and most luxurious cathedral in Haven State.
The ceremony was attended by numerous renowned figures from the worlds of business and politics, along with family, friends, and classmates.
Despite the crowd, the sacred atmosphere of the cathedral kept everyone solemn and silent.
Leo arrived neither too early nor too late.
He scanned the entrance of the cathedral but found no elaborate decorations, no photos of the couple, and no floral arrangements pointing to the venue.
Western weddings didn’t fuss over such extravagance.
After asking a staff member for directions, he found the wedding hall.
The hall was vast, with a statue of Jesus at the front and walls adorned with biblical bas-reliefs and oil paintings.
The setting commanded a natural sense of reverence and awe.
Rows of long benches stretched across the hall, neatly arranged, with about half of them filled.
Not a fan of crowds, Leo chose a seat at the far edge of the last row, ready to slip out early.
His eyes wandered to the statues at the front, his thoughts adrift.
Someday, his wedding with Tara would be even more lively and joyous.
Their wedding would take place in Beli, surrounded by flowers, coconut groves, the ocean, and a yacht.
A priest in robes stepped forward and spoke in Haven language for a while, followed by the choir singing hymns.
Leo, not fluent in Haven language, found himself zoning out.
It wasn’t until the *Wedding March* began playing that he snapped back to attention and looked toward the front.
Hunter stood there in a black tuxedo, his tall and lean frame exuding elegance. His mixed-heritage features were strikingly handsome, and his demeanor was one of noble confidence—a quintessential picture of a successful tycoon.
Even Leo had to admit that Hunter’s looks and charisma placed him among the best of his peers.
But what about the bride? Was she worthy of him?
At that moment, the bride entered, arm-in-arm with her father, and began walking down the aisle to the music.
Leo glanced at the bride’s back, and his gaze froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.
He knew this figure, this presence—how could he not?
The woman he had cherished for three years.
His mind exploded, a thunderous roar echoing in his head.
Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that Tara was the heiress of the Keystone Group.
And this was her wedding.
A chilling panic clawed at his heart, his blood rushing backward as he stood abruptly.
With a voice that tore through the solemn silence, he shouted desperately, “Tara!”
